China Aster Production 955 Benton Ave., Winslow, ME 04901 • Phone: 1-877-564-6697 • Fax: 1-800-738-6314 Email:
[email protected] • Web Site: Johnnyseeds.com CHINA ASTER (Callistephus chinensis) Also known as summer aster, China asters are a popular and beautiful cut flower. Plants typically grow 12-36” in height and produce a dozen or more blooms per plant, depending on the cultivar. China asters can be grown in the greenhouse or the field. It is possible to grow them year-round in a heated greenhouse or in moderate climates. This annual should not be confused with the perennial asters (September aster, New England aster, and New York aster). China aster is relatively easy to grow except for its susceptibility to aster yellows, which is a disease transmitted by leaf hoppers. SITE REQUIREMENTS Choose a sunny plot with fertile, well-drained soil having a pH of 5.5–7.5. CULTURE Transplanting is recommended. Sow plants 1/8” deep in flats indoors 6–8 weeks before danger of last frost. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination; water gently with a fine nozzle or mister. For best germination, maintain a consistent soil temperature of 70–72°F/21–22°C. Seeds should germinate in 10–14 days. Once germinated, the ideal temperature range is 70°F/21°C during the day and 60–62°F/16–17°C during the night. After the first true leaves appear, transplant into cell packs or 3–4” pots. Do not allow the plants to become root bound. Plants exposed to long days (14 hours of daylight or more) during the first 4–5 weeks of growth will produce flowers more quickly, and on longer stems, than those that are not exposed to long days.